Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez Succumbs to Cancer

Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez has died today (June 7) following a three-year battle with stage-four cancer.

The retired former super featherweight champion was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 after tumors were found in his neck and head. Because the cancer was a “rare” strand, Hernandez quickly lost all his savings attempting to cover medical expenses without insurance. Hernandez was able to continue chemotherapy treatment through donations from Top Rank and other organizations and individuals in the boxing community.

In February, it was discovered that the cancer was still spreading. A few days ago, Hernandez elected to stop chemo treatment after becoming paralyzed from the waist down. He spent his final days at home in South Orange County, California.

Hernandez boxing career spanned from 1984-1998. He won the WBA super featherweight title in 1991 and made nine successful defenses over the next four years. He would suffer his first loss, a TKO to a young Oscar De La Hoya, in 1995 after moving up to lightweight.

The defining moment of Hernandez’s career would come in a 1997 championship match against Azumah Nelson. At the end of round seven, Nelson knocked out Hernandez with a punch after the bell. After being revived, the referee advised Hernandez that he would be awarded the fight for the foul. Hernandez refused, citing Nelson’s championship acumen and wanting to win the bout “like real champions do.” Hernandez would go on to defeat Nelson by split decision to capture the WBC super feathweight.

Hernandez would fight one more year, retiring following a corner stoppage loss to a young Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hernandez’s final record is 38-2-1, 17 KOs.

At press time, funeral arrangements have not been finalized. Hernandez was 45.

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I’ve been present when members of my own family have been told the grim news about their life expectancies from cancer. It’s an utterly hopeless feeling. Some become jaded and spend their last days bitter and depressed. Not Chicanito. From his diagnosis in October 2008, he kept dignity and grace to the very end. Genaro Hernandez was a champion in and out of the ring. I hope to have his courage when my time comes. Rest in peace, champ.

HERNANDEZ HIGHLIGHTS

HERNANDEZ VS. NELSON